Artwork of the Day – Paulus Bor

Although a contemporary of Rembrandt’s, Bor favoured a different painting style. His work is characterised by a combination of dramatic lighting effects and classical formalism. Bor was influenced by the work of Caravaggio, which he saw during his stay in Rome in the 1620s.

The model for ‘The Magdalen’ was Bor’s wife. She is shown holding a bottle of oil to anoint Christ’s feet.